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Community Corner

🌱 Arson Investigation + CASA Superhero Run 🦸 + Events This Week

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Austin.

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Jessica Collins, Neighbor
(Patch Media)

Happy Monday, friends and neighbors! It's your host, Jessica, here to get your week started off on the right note and update you on the latest updates in town.

Today we'll cover:

  • Officials launched an arson investigation after responding to multiple fires in South Austin
  • An individual suffered serious injuries after a scooter/vehicle collision on Sunday evening.
  • The annual CASA Superhero Run went off without a hitch out at Circuit of the Americas!
  • A peek at the top of events this week and much more ➡️

🎤 Before we dive in: this is your opportunity to make your voice heard – I want to hear from YOU. How have you been enjoying the Austin Daily Digest? Click here to send me your feedback.

Today's weather and allergy report:

☀️ High: 97 Low: 74. Mostly sunny and hot.
🍃 Grass Pollen: high. Ragweed: low. Mold: medium. Dust & Dander: extremely high.

Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) The Austin Fire Department has launched an arson investigation after responding to multiple fires early Sunday morning in South Austin. Around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, crews responded to a fire at Crow Bar, a popular hangout across from St. Edward's University. Fire crews arrived to find the exterior patio of the bar up in flames.

Another nearby fire at a vacant former auto repair shop in the 4200 block of S. First St. was also determined to be arson. Austin Fire Department also reported responding to around 15 grass, trash, and dumpster fires in the same area during this time period. The AFD Arson Division is leading a criminal investigation and will release more information as it becomes available. Head to The Austin American-Statesman to learn more.

2) Austin-Travis County EMS reports that an individual suffered serious injuries after a scooter and a vehicle collided on Sunday evening. ATCEMS said the scooter and vehicle collided at the intersection of East Riverside Drive and South Congress Avenue. An adult was taken to Dell Seton Medical Center with "serious, potentially life-threatening injuries." Head to KXAN to learn more about this developing story.

3) The annual CASA Superhero Run went off without a hitch out at Circuit of the Americas! Attendees are encouraged to run, walk or fly at the annual CASA Superhero Run 5K & Kids 1K to be a superhero for children who've been abused or neglected. CASA speaks up for children who've been abused or neglected by empowering the community to volunteer as advocates for them in the court system. Head to The Austin American-Statesman to check out the incredible costumes and photos from the event.

4) The Austin Animal Shelter still needs the community's help! AAC still needs homes for 20 dogs living in pop-up crates at the overflowing shelter.

FOX 7 Austin reports that last week, AAC restricted intake to emergencies only, including animals that are injured or present a clear public safety risk. AAC also reported it had more than 700 animals, including close to 70 dogs living in temporary pop-up crates due to space issues. If you're an animal lover or in need of a new furry friend, head to FOX 7 Austin to learn how you can help.

Today in Austin:

  • Steve Miller Band at ACL Live at The Moody Theater. (6 p.m.)
  • Good Evening: A Topical News Comedy Show at The Creek and The Cave. (6 p.m.)
  • Blue Monday With Soul Man Sam Plus Lindsay Beaver & Brad Stivers at Antone's. (7 p.m.)
  • Creature Canyon at Mohawk. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Clocked Out Comedy at The Creek and The Cave. (8 p.m.)
  • Church On Monday with Elias Haslanger Ft. Dr. James Polk at Continental Gallery. (8:30 p.m.)

Top Events in Austin This Week:

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Jessica Collins

About me: Jessica is happy to call Austin her home for the past 10+ years. She loves the outdoors, arts & cinema, dining, and all of the natural beauty that Central Texas has to offer.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Austin Daily? Contact me at DowntownAustin@patch.com

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